Puzzled dog owners: recognising arthritis in dogs

Arthritis is a progressive joint disease in dogs that frequently causes chronic pain.

Pain therapies and physiotherapeutic measures can alleviate the symptoms and, especially with early treatment, restore the dog's enjoyment of movement.

The extended walk is normally the highlight of the day for every dog. Not infrequently, however, this joy wanes — older dogs in particular react with increasing reluctance when their owner reaches for the lead. “Where has the joy of movement gone?” many a puzzled dog owner will ask themselves.

Every step hurts

When dogs become reluctant to move, it is not simply a matter of age. Health problems are often the underlying cause. The declining activity could be the result of a painful joint disease — arthritis. According to studies, one in five dogs shows signs of this degenerative joint disease. In dogs over eight years of age, it is already four out of five dogs that struggle with the effects of arthritis in one or even several joints. And once arthritis has set in, it becomes a constant companion.

The causes of arthritis are varied. Very often it is the result of age-related wear and tear. However, younger animals can also be affected. Traumatic joint injuries, such as a cruciate ligament rupture, can be a trigger, as can improper nutrition, excess weight, or training that is too intense. Certain breeds are prone to congenital malformations of the hip and elbow joints, which promotes the early deterioration of joint cartilage.

Symptoms and treatment of arthritis

The most important leading symptom of this joint disease is pain. The dog will do everything possible to alleviate it. It loses its joy in movement. Persistent lameness is also a clear warning sign. In this situation, the dog urgently needs support. Although osteoarthritis itself cannot be cured, its progression can at least be slowed. Pain therapy helps to make living conditions more bearable for the sick dog. Osteoarthritis patients experience joint discomfort at night in a particularly unfiltered way. The dog is then “alone with the pain”. With pain therapy, these dogs can finally find rest as well.

Modern pain therapies can today be tailored very individually to four-legged patients. The medications complement each other in their effects. Even with long-term administration, the risk of possible side effects is considered low.

Early treatment and active support

Early treatment is important to prevent the development of a pain memory. Even minor stimuli are then perceived as painful. Animals suffering so severely from pain can even react with increased aggression.

Dog owners can actively support the therapy. They should pay attention to appropriate feeding, as every unnecessary pound puts additional strain on the joints. Short but more frequent walks are easier for osteoarthritis patients to manage and ensure that the animal remains as mobile as possible within its limited physical capacities. Physiotherapy also helps to specifically stabilize the muscles and tendons of the affected dog, writes the Bundesverband für Tiergesundheit e.V. Further information on the welfare of animals can be found in our articles on animal rights.